Refrigerator Running Cost Calculator
A refrigerator cycles on and off all day. Enter the annual kWh from its EnergyGuide label—or a representative measured estimate—to convert that energy into daily, monthly and yearly cost.
Quick answerA refrigerator rated at 400 kWh/year costs about $68 per year, $5.67 per month or $0.19 per day at $0.17/kWh. That annual energy use is equivalent to an average draw of about 46 watts across the full year, even though compressor power is higher while it is running.
Change any number below — your result updates instantly, no button to click.
Your details
Results
Annual kWh converted to a 24/7 average—not compressor running or startup watts.
Repeats the current annual use and rate for five years; purchase and repair costs are excluded.
Measure or improve the real-world result
These tools are relevant to the numbers above; you do not need them to use the calculator.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission from links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
Not sure which plug-in monitor fits? Compare a display meter with a smart plugHow it works
Yearly cost = annual kWh × electricity rate. Monthly energy = annual kWh ÷ 12. Monthly and daily cost divide the yearly cost by 12 and 365. Average watts = annual kWh × 1,000 ÷ 8,760 hours. Five-year cost repeats today’s annual energy use and rate five times; it does not predict rate changes, repairs or appliance life.
Refrigerator electricity cost examples
Examples use $0.17/kWh. Enter your own label value and rate above for the relevant result.
| Annual energy | Monthly energy | 24/7 average | Cost per month | Cost per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200 kWh | 16.7 kWh | 22.8 W | $2.83 | $34.00 |
| 300 kWh | 25.0 kWh | 34.2 W | $4.25 | $51.00 |
| 400 kWh | 33.3 kWh | 45.7 W | $5.67 | $68.00 |
| 600 kWh | 50.0 kWh | 68.5 W | $8.50 | $102.00 |
| 800 kWh | 66.7 kWh | 91.3 W | $11.33 | $136.00 |
Average watts smooths compressor cycles, defrost heaters and idle periods into one year-round figure. It is not a circuit-sizing value.
Use annual kWh—not the compressor wattage
The yellow EnergyGuide label reports estimated annual energy consumption in kWh/year and an operating-cost estimate based on a standardized electricity price. Enter the kWh/year figure here and replace the label’s assumed price with your own rate. This keeps the energy estimate while localizing the cost.
A refrigerator does not draw one steady wattage. Its compressor cycles, a defrost heater may run periodically, and ambient temperature, door openings, settings, seals and loading change runtime. Multiplying one momentary watt reading by 8,760 hours usually overstates use. Annual kWh already accounts for cycling under the applicable test procedure.
How to estimate an older refrigerator without its label
First search the full model number. The U.S. Department of Energy provides refrigerator and freezer energy-rating tools covering multiple manufacturing periods, although not every model is included. The model plate is commonly inside the food compartment or near the lower front frame.
If no reliable rating is available, measure accumulated kWh over several representative days with a compatible plug-in electricity meter, then annualize it: measured kWh ÷ measured days × 365. Include normal door openings and allow enough time to capture compressor and defrost cycles. Confirm the refrigerator’s voltage, current and startup load are within the meter rating, keep the appliance grounded, and do not use an extension cord or remotely interrupt refrigeration.
When replacement saves money—and when it does not
Compare annual kWh between the existing refrigerator and a specific replacement; do not assume age alone determines consumption. Annual energy saving = old model kWh/year − new model kWh/year. Multiply that difference by your electricity rate to find annual dollar saving.
For example, replacing a 700 kWh/year refrigerator with a 350 kWh/year model saves 350 kWh, worth $59.50 per year at $0.17/kWh. A $900 purchase would therefore take about 15 years to recover from electricity savings alone, before repairs or other differences. ENERGY STAR and EnergyGuide data help compare similar sizes and configurations, while purchase price, usable volume, features and proper recycling still matter.
What changes real refrigerator energy use
Larger cabinets generally use more energy, and configuration matters, so compare models of similar volume and type. ENERGY STAR notes that high-efficiency compressors, improved insulation, and temperature and defrost controls can reduce consumption.
In use, check that doors close and seals contact evenly, leave the ventilation clearance specified by the manufacturer, keep serviceable coils and vents clean, and use the recommended temperature settings. A sudden measured increase can indicate heavy frost, a damaged seal, blocked airflow, a hot location, or a developing fault; diagnose the cause before assuming replacement is the only answer.
Sources used for assumptions: Federal Trade Commission — How to use the EnergyGuide label for home appliances; U.S. Department of Energy — Refrigerator and freezer energy-rating search tools; ENERGY STAR — Refrigerator efficiency and buying guidance.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a refrigerator cost to run per month?
Multiply its annual kWh by your electricity rate and divide by 12. A 400 kWh/year refrigerator costs about $5.67 per month at $0.17/kWh.
Where do I find my refrigerator’s kWh per year?
Use the annual energy-consumption figure on its yellow EnergyGuide label, manufacturer specifications, or a model lookup. DOE also provides energy-rating search tools for many U.S. refrigerator and freezer models.
Can I calculate refrigerator cost from watts?
A single watt reading is unreliable because the compressor and defrost system cycle. Measure accumulated kWh over representative days, or use the annual kWh rating. If measured, annual kWh ≈ measured kWh ÷ measured days × 365.
Why is average wattage lower than the running wattage?
The average spreads total annual energy over all 8,760 hours, including times when the compressor is off. It is not the running or startup wattage and must not be used to size a circuit, inverter or generator.
Does an old refrigerator always cost more?
No. Age can be a clue, but size, configuration, condition, settings and actual runtime matter. Compare the existing model’s annual or measured kWh with a specific replacement rather than assuming a fixed age multiplier.
How do I calculate savings from a replacement refrigerator?
Subtract the new model’s annual kWh from the old model’s annual kWh, then multiply by your electricity rate. Divide the purchase price by that annual dollar saving for a simple energy-only payback.
Does the EnergyGuide yearly cost equal my bill?
Not necessarily. The label uses a standardized electricity-price assumption. This calculator uses the label’s annual kWh with your local rate, but actual conditions can still change consumption.
How can I reduce refrigerator electricity use?
Use manufacturer-recommended temperature settings, maintain required ventilation, keep accessible coils and vents clean, check door seals, limit unnecessary door-open time, and investigate abnormal frost or cycling.
Related calculators
Appliance Running Cost Calculator
Any appliance — a fridge, heater, gaming PC or AC unit — costs money every hour it runs. E…
BillsElectricity Bill Calculator & High-Bill Checker
Your bill is more than energy used — it also includes fixed charges, tax and levies. Estim…
AppliancesLED Bulb Savings Calculator
LED bulbs use a fraction of the power of old incandescent or halogen bulbs. This calculato…